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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Cliff Lee could really screw this Trade Roy thing up

Smilin' Ken Rosenthal has an update and a news flash, apparently, that the probable availability of Cliff Lee could really hurt the Roy Sweepstakes.

Lee, who turns 32 on Aug. 30, is a year younger than Oswalt and a better pitcher since the start of 2008. He also is signed to a more attractive contract, adding to his appeal if the Mariners decide to trade him.

Any team that landed Lee would be obligated only for the rest of his $9 million salary this season. Oswalt, meanwhile, is due the rest of his $15 million salary for 2010, $16 million in ‘11 and a $2 million buyout in ’12...

...With Oswalt, you just get Oswalt – at an inflated rate.

I'll be honest, I'd rather have Cliff Lee than Roy, and the case for Lee is pretty strong, which is why Ed Wade has a lot on his plate right now. I would hope that the first attractive offer that rolls in is accepted, but this is a case of supply and demand, and Lee is a better financial option for many more teams.

2 comments:

Fortunately, there are more interested teams than aces to go around, even if Lee becomes available. I'd think teams like the Nationals, Mets, and Reds would pursue Lee hard since they don't have much of a shot at Oswalt.

Teams like the Dodgers, Tigers, and Rangers, Angels, and Twins have a better chance at Roy (though the Dodgers and Rangers have ownership questions).

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